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High school student and Olympic silver medallist Bayanda Walaza blazed his way to the World U20 title in Lima to become South Africa's first 100m champion in the history of the championship.
South African teen speedster Bayanda Walaza has become the fastest teenager in the world after storming to the 100m title at the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru.
On a cold night in Lima, Walaza was not denied his moment of stardom as his phenomenal start saw him take control of the race and held on to the finish line in 10.19s (-0.9m/s).
Puripol Boonson of Thailand came into the final knowing he would need an explosive start to challenge the top of the podium. Though he didn't get out quickly enough to vie for the title, he maintained his composure to finish well and place second in 10.22s, gaining the first-ever medal for his nation at the World U20 Championships.
While pre-championship favourite and Walaza's compatriot Bradley Nkoana settled for the bronze medal in 10.26s.
Walaza's victory is a historic one as he became the first South African to win the 100m title in the history of the championship after Benji Richardson came close with a silver medal two years ago in Cali behind Botswana's new speed icon Letsile Tebogo.
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22:35 - 23.08.2024
'It'll be out of my character to join the bandwagon' - South African star sprinter reveals why he isn't social media loud yet a consistent force
Paris Olympic medallist Akani Simbine opened up on why he doesn't do all the thrash talking or social media tantrums like his peers such as Noah Lyles.
The brilliant performances by the South African teenagers bode well for their men’s 4x100m team in Lima, particularly as Walaza and Nkoana formed part of their nation’s silver medal-winning team at the Paris Olympic Games.
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It also shows that the African nation is brewing new sets of sprinters to dominate the world years from now as their star sprinter Akani Simbine is close to retirement, but can trust his legacy will be passed on to exceptional youngsters.
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